Method of installing fixture hangers on a ceiling structure



June 17, 1958 J. w. POTTER 2,838,832

METHOD OF INSTALLING FIXTURE HANGERS ON A CEILING STRUCTURE Filed Oct. 7, 1954 s Sheets-Sheet 1 F IGJ.

Awe/r12 Min/5 Par/29? June 17, 1958 v J. w. POTTER 2,833,832 METHOD OF INSTALLING FIXTURE HANGERS ON A CEILING STRUCTURE Filed Oct. 7, 1954 v 5 Shets-Shet 2 June 17, 1958 J. w. POTTER 2,838,832

METHOD OF INSTALLING FIXTURE HANGERS ON A CEILING STRUCTURE Filed Oct. 7, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 mmewraz, Ma /5 1/4 Farm-,1

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United States Patent 2,838,831 r METHOD OF INSTALLINGFIXTURE HANGERS ON A; CEILING STRUCTURE 1 James W. Potter, Urbana, lli. ApplicationQctober-7, 1954, SerialNo. 460,941

" 4 claims. or. 29-428 This invention relates generally to the hanging of lightingfixtures, and more particularly to a method of installing the fixture hangers and the attaching ofsuch hangers to' the joists. of a ceiling. I

M It will'beunderstood that a joist type of ceiling struc- (tire. is encountered in most buildings, andthat the patternifor placement of lighting fixtures usually bears no relationship'to the location of the joists, although it is generally necessary to support the lighting fixtures from the, joists. The architectural plans specify the location Of the fixtures by reference only to the perimeter of the ceilin With the result that the hangers 'may be located at points between the joists. It will be apparent that it is. diificult to locate a point on the openwork ceiling structure, hence the installation of the ceiling fixtures is a,te'dious,' awkward job, requiring much measuring, checking and manipulation of parts and equipment. Moreover in office and public buildings, where metal bar joists are customarily utilized, some difiiculty is experienced in attaching the fixture hangers to the joists. Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a method that simplifies the task of locating fixture hangersand facilitates their attachment to the ceiling joists. Among the more specific objects of the invention'may be noted the provision of a method of placing thefixtures by measurements made at floor level; the provision of ,a'method of temporarily holding certain hanger parts while permanent connections are made to the joists; and the provision of a method of quickly and conveniently securing the hangers in proper position at points between the joists.

In the attainment of these objectives, briefly stated, the invention contemplates the use of an elongate jig which carriesa plurality of adjustable hanger-aligning bar-supporting elements. Each element is designed to hold a short bar (preferably in parallelism with the jig) at a point corresponding to the placement of a fixture hanger rod. In use, the jig is laid' upon the floor so as to extend transversely of the ceiling joists with one end of the jig being pushed up against a wall of the room. The several bar-supporting elements are then adjustably'fixed inpositions corresponding to theplacement of a row of fixture hangerrods, as measured from that end of the room.

' Inparticular, the bar-supporting elements may be slidably mounted on the jig, set screws being provided to fix the positions of the 'elements' after their adjustment. Each element, in turn, has a slotted or bifurcated support projecting outwardly atthe bottom of the' jig from one side thereof, this support serving to hold one of the relatively short bar members; The bars are of a length sufii'cient to bridge the space between a pair of ceiling joists, a convenient length being two and one-half feet. The supporting elements are positioned with reference to the slot in the outwardly projecting support, which slot is designed to'accommodate a fixture hanger, rod.

After adjustment of the elements, the. jig is temporarily eecured adjacentthe joists of the building-asbyclamps.

That end of the jig from which measurements were made is positioned against the corresponding end of the ceiling, and the jig otherwise extends along a line defining one row of fixtures, such row, of course, being transverse to the joists of the ceiling and the slots in the bar-supporting element being in intersecting relationship with the line defining the row of hanger rods.

Individual bars are then rested .upon the several supports in position to bridge the adjacent pair of joists. While so supported against or closely adjacentthe joists, the bars are secured thereto, preferably using a power actuated tool which drives a fastener through the. ends of the bar and into the lower portions of the joists. Before removal of the jig, C-shaped, clamping brackets are then utilized to secure the hanger rods. In one form, the bar is a channel member having slots extending substantially the entire length along the center web thereof, which slots intersect with the slot in a jig-mounted bar-supporting element. Eachof these clamping brackets has legs which reach over the top and bottom of the channel mem-. her, and these legs have openings which align with the slots in the bar. A fixture hanger rod is then inserted through the several openings of the clamping bracket bar andv bar support, and a set screw on the head of the clamp -is screwed against one side of the bar to clamp the hanger tightly to the bar. The open slot on the barsupporting element then permits the jig to be withdrawn sidewise clear of the secured parts. Other shapes of bars and hanger clamping brackets may be employed, however.

Other features of the invention will be in part apparent from and in part pointed out in the following detail description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: I

Fig. 1 is a bottom plan view of a ceiling, illustrating features of this invention; 1 v

Fig. 2 is an enlarged section taken on the line 2-.-2

of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a section. taken on the line 33 of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is .a sectional view on the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

. Fig. 5 is an oblique view of the jig shown in Figs. 2-4 prior to installation of the joist-bridging-bars;

- Fig. 6 is a view similar to that of Fig. 5, but showing a joist-bridging bar supported on the jig;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to that of Fig. 6 after attachment of a fixture hanger rod;

Fig. 8 is a view similar to that of Fig. 7 after removalof the jig;

Fig. 9 is an oblique view of of the jig; r Fig. 10 is an oblique view of a hanger rod clamp;

Fig. 11 is a view similar to that of Fig. 7, but illustrating an alternative form of joist-bridging bar; and

Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 12-12 of Fig. 11.

In many buildings, the ceilings are formed with 'a series of joists which constitute the principal load-sustaining portion of the ceiling. In installing ceiling lighting facilities, it is usually necessary to suspend the luminaires from these joists, and when the hangers therefor are to be located between the joists, it is customary to bridge the joists with bars, the hangers being secured to these bars. Heretofore, this has not been a simple task. It has been necessary to locate the positions of the joist-.

a bar-supporting element bridging bars by measurements across the openwork ceil-.

proper positions, and the fixture hanging rods were cut or otherwise adjusted to proper length and secured to the brackets.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown a ceiling, the load-supporting portion bf which is constituted by a series of joists'l. In large buildings, such as used for commercial. and public purposes, steel bar joists customarily form this portion of the ceiling, such bar joists comprising flange-forming angle sections 3 and an open center web of bars 4. The ceiling lighting fixtures are supported from these joists by depending hangers, which are installed prior to closing over the ceiling with acoustical tile, gypsum board and the like. Where fluorescent lighting fixtures are utilized, it is customary to arrange them in rows, the hanger rods being spaced at four foot intervals as indicated at X, this being a standardlength for fluorescent luminaires.

The invention contemplates that the installation of the hanger rods will be made using an elongate jig generally designated 5, which may be made up, from a plurality ofsections of a conveniently handled length. For example, each section of the jig might be eight feet long and approximately one inch by one-half inch in crosssection. These sections can be of a three-piece laminated construction, the center ply 7 thereof projecting at one end beyond the outer strips 9, and the outer strips projecting at the other end beyond the center ply, in order to provide for a tongue and slot connection of the several sections. Also, the center ply 7 may project at one side 11 slightly beyond the outer strips 9. Screws 13 are utilized in joining the several sections together. The jig in turn carries a plurality of longitudinally adjustable elements 15, which have the dual function of supporting certain joist-bridging bars and of locating the fixture hanger rods.

Referring more particularly to Figs. 2-5 and 9, each adjustable element 15- has a side wall 17 through which is threaded a set screw 19. Webs 21 project from the sides 17 over the top and bottom surfaces of the jig 5, and flanges 23 extend inwardly from the webs 21 over the other side of the jig toward the lip 11 thereof. In addition, a leg 25 projects outwardly from the side 23 of the element at the bottom thereof, this leg 25 being slotted at- 27 in a direction transverse to the jig.

In use, the jig is first laid out upon the floor of the room in which fixtures are to be installed, the jig extending in a direction transverse to the joists 1 along a line defining the positions X of one row of fixture hanger rods. One end of. the jig is aligned with one end of the room or ceiling, and the bar-supporting elements 15 are adjusted and secured by means of set screws 19 in posir tions with their several slots 27 corresponding to the locations X of the fixture hanger rods, as measured from that end of the room. Inasmuch as the locations of the fixtures are specified in the architectural plans by reference to the perimeter of the room, it is a simple matter to determine the positions of the bar-supporting elements as the jig rests upon the floor.

The jig is then elevated to the ceiling level and is temporarily secured against the lower surfaces of the joists, as by c-clamps 28. It will be understood that the jig is aligned so that the centers of the slots 27 in the barsupporting elements 15 lie on a line defining a'row of fixtures, the positions of the hanger rods along this row necessarily being determined by the slots 27. In its secured position, the jig supports a plurality of joistbridging bars generally designated 29, one form of which is shown in Figs. 28 to be a channel section.

Each of these bars 29 is of a length sufficient to bridge a pair of joists (a length of two and one-half feet being satisfactory formost installations), and the center web thereof is formed with elongate slots 30 for accommodating a fixture hanger rod at substantially any point between the joists. The exact position of the bar 29 is not critical, provided the ends thereof overlap a pair of joists and one of the longitudinal slots 30 lies in intersecting relationship with the slot 27 in the bar-supporting element 15, thereby predetermining the positions of hanger rods 31. While so supported, theiseveral joist-bridging bars 29 are fastened to the joists, and the fixture hanging rods 31 are secured to these bars.

The hangers 31 are attached to the bars 29 by means of U-shaped brackets generally designated 33. As best shown in Fig. 10, the brackets'33 have a side or base portion 35 in which a set screw 37 is threaded. Theprojectlegs 33 of the bracket are spacedt-o extend across the top and bottom of a joist-bridging bar 29, and the legs 38 are apertured at 39 to receive a fixture hanging rod 31.

Although different sequences of steps may befollowed in assembling the components, the recommended procedure involves fitting brackets 33 over the joist-bridging bars 29, inserting fixture hanging rods 31 through the openings defined at 30' and 39, and temporarily tightening the set screws 37 so that the rods 31 become clamped between the brackets 33 and bars 29.

Several such bars are fitted to the jig'prior to its elevation and positioning against the joists, the brackets 33 resting upon the supports 25, and the rods .31 being received in the slots 27. Upon securementof the' jig against the joists, bars 29 are held in position by lateral engagement with the projecting side portion 11 of the jig and by engagement with the lower surfaces of the joists 1. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the thickness of the bracket 33 and bar 29 are such that when the jig 5 is clamped against the joists, the upper surfaces of the bars engage with the lower surfaces of the joists. Should the initial positioning of a bracket 33 on a bar 29 be suchas to prevent the bar from overlapping a pair of joists, the set screws 37 may be loosened, the bar slipped longitudinally over the support 25 to proper position, the set screw 37 then being tightened. The set screws'37 also facilitate vertical adjustment of the hangers 31 so that the bases 39 thereof are at proper elevation.

The installation is completed by securing the bars 29 i to the joists, this attachment preferably being'aceom- 7 support.

plished by means of penetrating fasteners 41, whichare driven with a power-actuated tool. Once the bars fare fastenedv at the joists, the jig may be removed, the'slots' 27 in the bar supports permitting lateral withdrawal of the jig. A second row of fixture hanger rods may then be installed, and in most instances it will not'be neces sary to readjust the positions of the elements 15. Whereas Figs. l-l0, illustrate a joist-bridging bar which is in the form of a slotted channel m'ember,- other' forms might be utilized. For example, Figs. 11 and 12 show a bar 129 formed from a flat strip, an elongate center portion130 thereof being double-folded at' right angles to the relatively short end portions 132. A U-shaped clamping bracket 133 is employed in attaching the hanger rods to the bar 129 in the manner described heretofore; but in this instance, the hanger rod 131 is held against one side of the elongate vertical center web 130 of the bar 129 by the bracket 133. I The arrangement of Figs. 11 and 12 is somewhat advantageous in that very little of the bar 129 projects below the joists. It is necessary, however, to thicken the bar supports 125, so that the end portions 132 of the bar seat against the lower surfaces of the joists. When the jig is to.be used for installing both types of joist-bridging bars, filler blocks 126 would be provided for removable attachment to the supports 125, these blocks being secured on opposite sides of the slot in the Otherwise, the adjustable elements 115 and the jig 105 are identical to those described heretofore.

In addition, Fig. 11 illustrates an alternative arrangement, whereby Wire's 141 are utilized to secure the bridging bars to'the joists.

From'the above,it will be apparent that the invention I considerably simplifies'the task of placing and attaching fixture hanger rods to an openwork ceiling structure,

such as that formed by a series of joists. Most of the measuring and assembly work can be carried out at I floor level, the apparatus not only holding the parts in position during attachment of the bridging bars to the joists, but also serving to locate the fixture hanging rods and facilitate their attachment to the joist-bridging bars.

Although several embodiments have been disclosed in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but the drawings and description thereof are to be understood as being merely illustrative. It is realized that many modifications and variations will present themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this invention or the scope thereof as set forth in the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. The method of installing fixture hangers on a joist ceiling structure comprising the steps of providing an elongate jig having a plurality of adjustably positionable hanger-aligning bar-supporting members disposed therealong, positioning and securing said hanger-aligning barsupporting members at predetermined points along said jig corresponding to the desired spacing of the hangers, temporarily securing said jig against the ceiling, providing a plurality of relatively short bars and supporting one bar on each of said members in position to bridge the adjacent joists, fastening each of said bars to the joists bridged thereby while so supported, securing a hanger to each bar at the predetermined location of'its supporting member, and thereafter removing the jig.

2. The method of installing fixture hangers on a joist ceiling structure comprising the steps of providing an elongate jig having a plurality of adjustably positionable hanger-aligning bar-supporting members disposed therealong, positioning and securing said hanger-aligning barsupporting members at predetermined points along said jig corresponding to the desired spacing of the hangers from one edge of the ceiling, thereafter temporarily securing said jig against the ceiling, with one end of the jig aligned with an edge of the ceiling, providing a plurality of relatively short bars and supporting one bar on each of said members in position to bridge the adjacent joists, fastening each of said bars to the joists bridged thereby while so supported, securing the hangers to each bar at the predetermined location of its supporting member, and thereafter removing the jig.

3. The method of installing fixture hangers on a joist ceiling structure comprising the steps of providing an elongate jig having a plurality of adjustably positionable bar-supporting members, each of which has a laterallyprojecting slotted bar-supporting leg, positioning and securing said members along said jig with the slots thereof located at predetermined points corresponding to the desired spacing and location of the hangers, thereafter temporarily securing said jig against the ceiling, providing a plurality of relatively short bars and supporting one bar on each of said members in position to bridge the adjacent joists, fastening each of said bars to the joists bridged thereby while so supported, securing hanger rods to each bar while disposed within the slot of the supporting leg, and thereafter removing the jig.

4. The method set forth in claim 3, wherein said bars are slotted, the hanger rods being inserted within the slots thereof and clamped against the edges of said slots, thereby to provide for adjustment of the depending length of the hanger rods.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 407,617 Seaver July 23, 1889' 1,284,124 Mazier Nov. 5, 1918 1,298,580 Seeby Mar. 25, 1919' 1,698,139 McEleroy Ian. 8, 1929' 1,885,398 Wilson et a1 Nov. 1, 1932. 2,186,607 Judge et a1. Jan. 9, 1940 2,349,158 Fowles etal. May 16, 1944 2,621,420 Brelsford Dec. 16, 1952 

